How a Rushed Microsoft 365 Copilot Rollout Led to a Quick Rescue and a Secure AI Deployment
The Background
The journey for this client in the professional services industry began when they introduced Microsoft Copilot to a select group of users, eager to leverage its productivity-enhancing capabilities. However, shortly after the Microsoft Copilot implementation, it became clear that inadequate data governance practices and minimal data clean-up efforts were putting sensitive information at risk. Users had access to highly sensitive data, including press releases about acquisitions. This exposure was exacerbated by ongoing governance issues from their previous on-premises file share, which carried over to the new digital environment. As a result, the client had to quickly revert the Copilot deployment to mitigate potential security breaches.
Identifying the Problem
The core of the issue lay in the organization’s existing data governance practices. With minimal clean-up, the risk of sensitive information exposure was high, and the governance issues that plagued their on-premises system continued to affect their digital environment. It was clear that a more comprehensive solution was necessary to address these vulnerabilities.
The Solution
The Withum team implemented a multi-faceted approach to address the issue and mitigate risks effectively:
Data Assessment
A thorough data assessment was conducted to understand the scope of sensitive information and identify areas of concern. This step was crucial in laying the groundwork for our subsequent actions.
Trainable Classifier
To enhance data protection efforts, a trainable classifier was developed specifically for “press releases.” This tool enabled the automated identification and categorization of sensitive information, ensuring that it was handled with the utmost care.
Governance Policies
Implementing robust data governance and access controls became a top priority. Clear policies and procedures were established to regulate access to sensitive information. This not only reduced the risk of exposure but also instilled a sense of accountability among our team members.
The Results
The approach yielded significant results. By reducing the risk of sensitive information exposure, the Withum team helped create a safer, more secure data environment. Moreover, the successful rollout of Microsoft 365 Copilot across the organization marked a key milestone in the client’s journey. The Copilot Data Shield solution streamlined operations and strengthened Microsoft 365 Copilot security measures and data protection, positioning the client for long-term success in their AI adoption efforts.
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